Update from our City Manager on the Gulling Street Bridge. - Posted January 4th, 2024

On Thursday January 4th, 2023, a team of engineers from MGE Engineering met with staff at City Hall and then visited the Gulling Street Bridge location to conduct a field inspection.

Although the scour issue that has been present since 2006, is still an issue that needs addressed, which may require repairs or ongoing monitoring, the overall condition of the Super Structure of the bridge is in good shape. The bridge is designed and constructed with redundancy and all piers are in good shape. City staff is confident the bridge is not in any danger of imminent catastrophic failure, but we are taking into consideration the recent Cal Trans findings and recommendations regarding the scour critical status.

Our Public Works Director and Interim City Manager have made the following decisions regarding modifying the current limitations set for traffic on the bridge. The city’s primary concern is safe travel for the school buses. We have informed the PUSD Superintendent, Bill Roderick, that the school district can continue normal bus schedule operations with some modifications. The speed limit while crossing the bridge shall remain at 10 mph and there will be traffic control coordinated with city staff.

Other modifications will include a speed limit reduction for all vehicles to 15 mph while crossing the bridge. Reducing rates of speed for all vehicles significantly reduces the physical impact on the bridge. The city will be working with Intermountain Disposal to be able to continue their routes with similar speed limits and traffic control measures as the school district. It is important to minimize disruptions of solid waste management and assist in limiting any rate increases because of this issue.

MGE Engineering will be compiling the data collected from historical documentation and today’s site visit and will expedite a report with recommendations for a plan of action going forward. The City of Portola appreciates the considerate cooperation from the community and your patience while we work through these obstacles.

Jon